TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Villa wary of resurgent Liverpool • Aston Villa manager believes Liverpool in throes of recovery• 'They are getting a bit of momentum again' says O'NeillMartin O'Neill believes Liverpool are in the throes of recovery following their poor first half of the season and are capable of putting together a long unbeaten run to mount a credible challenge for the top four. The Northern Irishman highlighted Arsenal's resurgence last season, when Arsène Wenger's side went 21 matches without defeat to overhaul Everton and Villa and qualify for the Champions League, and spoke of his belief that Liverpool could do the same over the next few months.Liverpool are five points behind Villa following Saturday's victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and O'Neill senses "they are getting a bit of momentum again" ahead of tomorrow night's pivotal meeting between the two clubs. "It was a big win for them at Anfield against Wolves at the weekend," said the Villa manager, who expects a positive response from his side following yesterday's chastening defeat at Arsenal. "We've got to be right ourselves, but they [Liverpool] are still in there."I heard Arsenal were supposed to be imploding last season, just about February time, when I think they were in the middle of a 21-game unbeaten run. They finished the season very, very strongly and Liverpool are capable of doing the same thing. They are capable because it's Liverpool Football Club. Look at Arsenal now. Four weeks ago they were being written off for the title and now they are right bang in there. That's what can happen with the top clubs."O'Neill is aware Villa will come under the microscope in the wake of the defeat at Arsenal, with questions again being asked about their ability to stay the course and avoid a repeat of their collapse last season. The Villa manager maintains, however, that losing against Arsenal is no disgrace and has urged his players to pick themselves up and respond with a victory over Liverpool that would see them regain fourth spot from Tottenham Hotspur."I'm not too bothered about who says what," said O'Neill, who will be without the suspended Ashley Young. "I didn't get too carried away when we went to Old Trafford a couple of weeks ago and won there. It was three points, it was a boost to confidence and it was terrific. But equally any side can go to Arsenal and get beaten, so I wouldn't start to think the result was a major shock all over Europe. But what we have to do is fight back against Liverpool and try to win."Premier LeagueAston VillaMartin O'NeillLiverpoolStuart Jamesguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Everton suspend Jô over unauthorised trip to Brazil • Everton striker disciplined for leaving club short of players• 22-year-old removed from FA Cup squad to face CarlisleEverton have suspended their on-loan striker Jô for a breach of club discipline, according to the manager, David Moyes. The Brazilian returned to South America over Christmas without permission, leaving the club without cover up front."He left over a busy period for us," Moyes told Sky Sports News. "He is back now but he left us short of players so at the moment he is suspended. I am disappointed. We like Jô, he has been a really good lad and we have enjoyed having him. But there has to be discipline at all football clubs."Although Jô, who has been suffering from a knee injury, will be missing from Everton's squad to face Carlisle in the FA Cup, Moyes indicated the punishment was likely only to be short-term.Jô joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City in July having previously spent a successful six-month spell at Goodison Park. However, despite scoring five times in 11 league starts last season, his return in 2009-10 has been just two goals in 24 appearances in all competitions.The 22-year-old cost City £18m from CSKA Moscow in 2008 but he was moved out during the January transfer window after scoring just three goals. His agent indicated earlier this week that the player was likely to cut short his stay at Everton, with a return to CSKA a possibility.EvertonAlan Gardnerguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Chicago, San Francisco Get World Cup Soccer Boot Chicago’s World Cup bid met the same fate as its try for the Olympics when the Windy City was dropped Tuesday from U.S. plans for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. feeds.nytimes.com |
Liverpool draw against Stoke feels like a defeat, says Dirk Kuyt Last-minute equaliser from Stoke defender Robert Huth heaps more pressure on under-fire manager Rafael Benitez. telegraph.co.uk |
Clint Dempsey won't need surgery The U.S. soccer team got good news Tuesday when Fulham said Clint Dempsey's injured right knee won't need surgery. rssfeeds.usatoday.com |